**Chapter 40: A Moment of Vulnerability**

The air was still charged with the openness and honesty that had been shared just moments before, and Caleb felt emboldened to continue the conversation. He took a deep breath, his eyes scanning the faces of the girls around him, and spoke from his heart. "Maybe it's just me feeling this way or not, but, I kinda feel like… you girls are, you know, giving or offering yourselves to me." The room fell silent, and Caleb's words hung in the air like a challenge. The girls exchanged glances, their faces a mixture of surprise, curiosity, and something else that Caleb couldn't quite put his finger on. Moana was the first to break the silence, her voice gentle. "What do you mean, Caleb?" she asked, her eyes searching his face. Caleb hesitated, unsure of how to articulate his feelings. "I mean, you're all being so open and honest with me, and sharing your thoughts and feelings... it feels like you're offering me something," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. Tiana nodded thoughtfully, her eyes never leaving Caleb's face. "I think I understand what you're saying," she said. "We've all been so focused on getting to know you, and being comfortable around you... maybe we have been giving you a certain kind of attention." Belle spoke up, her voice soft. "And maybe, just maybe, we're interested in getting to know you better, too," she said, her eyes sparkling with amusement. The room erupted into a flurry of whispers and murmurs, with the girls exchanging glances and smiling at each other. Caleb felt his heart racing, unsure of how to process the sudden shift in dynamics. Elsa stood up, her eyes locked on Caleb's, and walked over to him. "Caleb, from the moment we met you, we've all felt a connection to you," she said, her voice firm. "And I think it's time we acknowledged it." The room fell silent again, with all eyes on Elsa and Caleb. The air was charged with anticipation, and Caleb felt like he was standing at the edge of a cliff, staring into the unknown.